Another significant milestone in the continuing development of Jumeirah Golf Estates was reached this week, when three of the world’s greatest golfers joined HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, in officially opening the new state-of-the art clubhouse.
As the field began to assemble at Jumeirah Golf Estates for the sixth edition of the DP World Tour Championship from Thursday to Sunday, showcasing the climax of the season-long Race to Dubai on The European Tour, His Highness, Sheikh Ahmed, cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the new clubhouse before meeting Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Jumeirah Golf Estates official brand ambassador, Henrik Stenson.
The VIP party also included European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady, who greeted His Highness outside the clubhouse, His Excellency Mohammed Al Shibani, Director General of His Highness Ruler’s Court and CEO of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, along with Board Members of Jumeirah Golf Estates, who have developed a strong affiliation following last year’s announcement that Jumeirah Golf Estates would become a European Tour Destination as part of the Tour’s growing network of world class golf venues.
The Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates has hosted all six championships since 2009 and only 12 months ago the facility was augmented by another ‘first’ for golf in the Gulf with the official opening of the first European Tour Performance Institute outside Europe.
Attending the clubhouse ceremony were McIlroy, World Number One and newly confirmed winner of The 2014 Race to Dubai to follow his 2012 success, and Stenson, the defending champion after his dramatic surge to victory in both the DP World Tour Championship and The Race to Dubai in 2013. Completing the group was former US Open Champion, Rose, narrowly edged out by McIlroy in the final event two years ago.
World class facilities will be the key elements of the clubhouse, as the competitors in the DP World Tour Championship and their families will discover this week when they experience the state-of-the-art locker room facilities, the notable food and beverage facilities as well as the impressive terrace overlooking the 18th green.
Yousuf Kazim, General Manager of Jumeirah Golf Estates said: “Jumeirah Golf Estates is already a thriving community of families and international visitors, and the opening of the clubhouse is a milestone development that cements Jumeirah Golf Estates’ status as the region’s leading residential golf community. To have His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum here just days away from the DP World Tour Championship is fantastic and a sign of exciting times ahead at our brand new clubhouse.
“Given the extensive array of recreational facilities now on offer in the heart of the community, we anticipate increased demand for our growing property portfolio. The clubhouse will become the social focal point of Jumeirah Golf Estates, bringing first class F&B outlets, events spaces and golf facilities to residents and visitors to Dubai,” concluded Kazim.
Stenson commented: “It is great to be back at Jumeirah Golf Estates to celebrate the opening of this fantastic clubhouse in time for the DP World Tour Championship – a staple tournament in my diary every year. The facilities are on a par with the world’s best, making the community a top choice for golfers, residents and visitors from around the world.”
O’Grady added: “This is the sixth successive year in which we have concluded The Race to Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates, now a European Tour Destination. Each time we return here, we never fail to be impressed by the dramatic improvements to all parts of the estate – from the Earth and Fire courses, to the academy facilities which form The European Tour Performance Institute; the road and property infrastructure and, today, the new clubhouse.
“A world class golf tournament deserves world class facilities and the state-of-the-art clubhouse, which will greatly enhance for experience for the leading professionals this week and also the Members who can enjoy the best of Jumeirah Golf Estates on a daily basis.”